Job Posting Title:
WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Glendale, Spring 2027Req ID:
10158464Job Description:
About the Role & Program
Be a part of an innovative team and culture…
Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.
The approximate date of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
What You Will Do
The Intern will assist with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects work for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders and production staff.
Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out
Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects.
Collaborate with all coordinated teams to ensure internal/external requirements are met
Field installation
Maintenance and operations training assistance & post turnover support
Assist Special Effects lead during concept & design of special effects required to support the show, using appropriate creative and technical methods
We produce, install, maintain and fix theme park special effects equipment, per the Special Effects Lead Designers direction
Required Qualifications & Skills
Able to form a general plan to achieve stated goals and the ability to track to that plan to ensure goals are met
Basic knowledge of Special Effects installed at Disney theme park attractions.
General knowledge of related technical fields and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.
Some knowledge of special effects/projection equipment, materials, and processes
Solidworks knowledge
Preferred Qualifications
Disney theme park special effects experience
Theatrical training
Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with some special effects and projection system design experience
Education
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning BA or BS in the Arts, Engineering or related field
Eligibility Requirements & Program Information
Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:
Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
Be at least 18 years of age
Possess unrestricted work authorization
Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.
Additional Information
Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work
Must be fully available for the duration of the internship
Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
Job Posting Segment:
WDI Creative DevelopmentJob Posting Primary Business:
Show Systems (WDI)Primary Job Posting Category:
Creative InternEmployment Type:
Full timePrimary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USAAlternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-08-24Skills Required
- Currently enrolled as a junior or higher at an accredited college or university, pursuing a BA or BS in Arts, Engineering, or a related field
- Currently enrolled in at least one class at the time of application, or participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship
- At least 18 years of age
- Possess unrestricted work authorization
- Able to provide reliable transportation to and from work
- Fully available for the duration of the internship
- Able to provide housing in Glendale, California, for the duration of the internship
- Able to form and track a general plan to achieve stated goals
- Basic knowledge of special effects installed at Disney theme park attractions
- General knowledge of technical fields including optics, mechanics, and materials processes
- Some knowledge of special effects and projection equipment, materials, and processes
- SolidWorks knowledge
- Disney theme park special effects experience
- Theatrical training
- Industrial design, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance background with special effects and projection system design experience
The Walt Disney Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Walt Disney Company and has not been reviewed or approved by The Walt Disney Company.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Recent union agreements raised wage floors for large groups of park cast members—e.g., Disneyland’s $24/hour minimum rising to $26 over the contract and Walt Disney World’s path from $18 toward about $20–$20.50 by 2026—signaling upward movement in hourly pay. These steps are described as meaningful improvements for many frontline roles.
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials outline medical, dental, and vision coverage for many full‑time roles, wellness resources, and (in Central Florida) access to Centers for Living Well clinics and pharmacy. References to mental‑health support and paid time off reinforce a strong core health offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Complimentary theme‑park admission and discounts on hotels, dining, merchandise, and recreation are positioned as signature perks. Education support through Disney Aspire adds notable lifestyle value for eligible hourly employees.
The Walt Disney Company Insights
What We Do
The Walt Disney Company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that operates through segments including entertainment, sports, and experiences.
